Rios likely to return to Rangers’ lineup Wednesday

Right fielder Alex Rios said that his sprained right ankle had improved and he was confident that he could play Tuesday. That will likely mean to Wednesday to Texas Rangers manager Ron Washington, whose past policy has been to give a player who says he’s ready one additional day.

But the ankle was good enough for Rios to run on a treadmill and attempt to take swings for the first time since he was injured Saturday during his first at-bat.

“I don’t think this is going to keep me out long,” Rios said.

Washington said that Rios isn’t a candidate to go on the DL, a move that could free up a roster spot as right-hander Nick Martinez comes off the DL to start Tuesday. Outfielder Jake Smolinski and catcher Chris Gimenez are candidates to be moved out, but Gimenez doesn’t have any options remaining.

Jim Adduci, who activated Monday with righty Matt West going back to Triple A, can play both outfield and first base. Gimenez is now the Rangers’ third-string first baseman and third-string catcher, so his playing time continues to diminish.

Adduci could fall into a platoon at first base with J.P. Arencibia, or, as was the case Monday, he could be in the outfield with Arencibia at first.

“I have a chance to play and show what I can do,” said Adduci, who has never played first base in the majors but played there on his rehab assignment. “I’m getting more and more comfortable. I have to keep getting work.”